SUNNY SANTA CLAUS KICKS OFF CHRISTMAS SEASON IN BALA WITH MUSKOKA’S FIRST PARADE SATURDAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BALA — It’s official.

Santa season has begun with his first Christmas parade of the year — as usual — in Bala.

And what a day it was in west Muskoka as hundreds lined highway route to welcome jolly St. Nick and his many colourful elves and believers with dozens of fanciful floats.

You couldn’t ask for a better day — the best November in years.

Santa was working the crowd before, during and after the season’s first parade Saturday in Bala. Photos Mark Clairmont

Nary a glove or jacket was necessary as temperatures hovered well in to the double digits.

Which put everyone in a holiday festive mood — as if they needed as the weather clearly warmed their spirits.

Some called it the best parade in more than a decade.

Led by the Bracebridge Legion colour guard and pipe band it was a celebration of the favourite season for many.

You could seed it with the big smiles as kids were treated with sweets and grownups (still kids at heart) beamed.

’Tis the season to be jolly for sure.

And there are plenty more opportunities to join in the gaiety and frivolity in the coming weeks — continuing again this Saturday morning, Nov. 23, through downtown Gravenhurst.

Come join in the fun.

But bring a coat just in case Bala turns the tide.

Mrs. Claus and one of her elves were also on the street in front the Kee welcoming and greeting parade float workers.
Rudolph arrives just on time to start the part on Bala’s main street for the 1 p.m. start.
Diane Harrop gives a cheerful wave from the back of the Muskoka Concert Band float.
A small but mighty band of Muskoka Concert Band players played carols and best of Christmas hits.
The Masonic Lodges Shriners are always a fun addition to any parade as they scoot along streets weaving and waving.
It wasn’t cold enough to flood streets, but just in case the popular Muskoka Lakes Township arena ‘Cronboni’ was ready if needed.
Donald Trump supporters from the Hillbilly Clan 46 made their annual appearance complete with jug band and smoke from their outhouse.
Families lined the parade route as floats returned via River Street where there was a big sign reminder about the Trek to Bethlehem.

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